GOALS are the prime concern ahead of Coventry City's weekend game at home to Crewe Alexandra....

GOALS are the prime concern ahead of Coventry City's weekend game at home to Crewe Alexandra.

The club's new management team are starkly aware that their players have got to start being more ruthless in the box if they want to build on the progress they have made since they took charge at Highfield Road.

"The lack of goals has got to be a concern because we have probably got one of the best defensive records but when you look at the scoring, we're in the bottom five or six," said Ray Clarke who, along with Richard Money, hopes to sit down this week to confirm their positions as assistants to Roland Nilsson.

"But we are trying to address the situation and are working with the boys in training. But because the games are coming thick and fast we have not had that much time.

"We obviously want to get Julian Joachim back as soon as possible. He is working hard in the gym so I hope it won't be too long."

Clarke, a former Ajax striker, clearly sympathises with Lee Hughes, who is going through a bit of a dry spell with a return of two goals in 12 games.

"I know the importance of scoring goals because that breeds confidence," he said.

"Lee has got to forget about whatever he is worried about and make things happen. He has got to keep running and keep anticipating, and it will come.

"The chap doesn't score 100 goals in the First Division over the last three years and all of a sudden become a bad player with no confidence, and it is up to us to give him that."

He added: "Jairo Martinez and Jay Bothroyd have done well but as with all young players they have their ups and downs. I thought Jay was excellent in the first 45 minutes at Rotherham but he has got to learn to do that over 90 minutes now."